Viscous, flowable, pressure-compensating fitting materials and their use, including their use in boots

Claim 2

A pressure-compensating fitting pad of desired shape and size, which comprises: a shaped, flexible, protective enclosure having retained therein and distributed substantially throughout its confines, a predetermined amount of a viscous, flowable, substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, pressure-compensating fitting material, which, together, provide a pressure-compensating fitting pad; said enclosure being constructed to allow the confined fitting material to flow therein in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure exerted on the fitting pad and the relief of such exerted, flow-producing pressure; said fitting material being characterized by a predominant, substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, viscous, flowable, continuous phase essentially consisting of wax and oil, and having substantially uniformly distributed therethrough, a discontinuous phase of discrete, lightweight, sturdy microbeads; said wax and oil phase being present in an amount sufficient (a) to more than merely thinly coat substantially the entire outer surface of essentially each of said microbeads or to more than merely form a film over the surface of essentially each of said microbeads, and (b) to provide a volume that is substantially more than the volume of the interstitial spaces of the quantity of microbeads alone; said fitting material being further characterized by having a substantially homogeneous consistency and not substantially changing in volume responsive to ambient temperatures or ambient temperature changes, being resistant to sag, flowing in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure, and, when confined during conditions of use, being resistant to flow in response to instantaneously applied pressure.

Claim 3

The fitting pad of claim 1, wherein said microbeads are resilient, hollow, resinous microbeads.

Claim 4

The fitting pad of claim 2, wherein said microbeads are formed of expanded vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile.

Claim 5

The fitting pad of claim 2, wherein said microbeads are in situ heat-expanded, monocellular microspheres.

Claim 6

The fitting pad of claim 2, wherein said microbeads are in situ heat-expanded, monocellular microspheres formed of a vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile copolymer.

Claim 7

The fitting pad of claim 1, wherein said wax comprises petroleum-based wax.

Claim 8

The fitting pad of claim 6, wherein said petroleum-based wax comprises microcrystalline wax.

Claim 9

The fitting pad of claim 1, wherein said oil comprises petroleum-based oil.

Claim 10

The fitting pad of claim 1, wherein said wax comprises petroleum-based wax and said oil comprises petroleum-based oil.

Claim 11

The fitting pad of claim 1, wherein said fitting material has a nominal thickness within the range of about 0.01 to 0.6 inch.

Claim 12

The fitting pad of claim 1, wherein said wax comprises petroleum-based wax, said oil comprises petroleum-based oil, and said fitting material has a nominal thickness within the range of about 0.01 to 0.6 inch.

Claim 13

The fitting pad of claim 1, wherein said wax comprises petroleum-based wax, said oil comprises petroleum-based oil, said fitting material has a nominal thickness within the range of about 0.01 to 0.6 inch, and said microbeads are resilient, hollow, expanded, resinous microbeads formed of vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile.

Claim 14

The fitting pad of claim 1, wherein said enclosure is formed of a thermoplastic elastomeric film.

Claim 15

The fitting pad of claim 1, wherein said enclosure is formed of a thermoplastic elastomeric film that has a film thickness of about 0.01 to 0.02 inch.

Claim 16

The fitting pad of claim 1, wherein the fitting material has wax and oil in a weight ratio of about 21.2 to 76.5 parts by weight of wax and about 78.8 to 23.5 parts by weight of oil, and about 1 part by weight of microbeads per about 10.9 to 106.5 parts by weight of wax and oil.

Claim 17

The fitting pad of claim 15, wherein said microbeads are resilient, hollow, resinous, in situ heat-expanded, monocellular microspheres formed of vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile.

Claim 18

The fitting pad of claim 1, wherein said fitting material has wax and oil in a weight ratio of about 34 to 55.2 parts by weight of wax and about 66 to 44.8 parts by weight of oil, and about 1 part by weight of microbeads per about 12.3 to 52.7 parts by weight of wax and oil.

Claim 19

The fitting pad of claim 17, wherein the microbeads are resilient, hollow, resinous, in situ heat-expanded, monocellular microspheres formed of vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile.

Claim 20

The fitting pad of claim 1, wherein the fitting material has a specific gravity of about 0.15 to 0.8.

Claim 21

The fitting pad of claim 1, wherein the fitting material has a specific gravity of about 0.3 to 0.5.

Claim 22

The fitting pad of claim 1, wherein the fitting material is characterized by having a penetrometer value, 5 sec. after dropping a cone under a 50-gm. load, of about 6 to 12 mm. at a temperature of -20° F. and about 10 to 24 mm. at a temperature of 75° F.

Claim 23

A pressure-compensating fitting pad of desired shape and size, which comprises: a shaped, flexible, resinous, protective enclosure having retained therein and distributed substantially throughout its confines, a predetermined amount of a viscous, flowable, substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, pressure-compensating fitting material having a specific gravity in the vicinity of about 0.8, or less, which, together, provide a pressure-compensating fitting pad; said enclosure being constructed to allow the confined fitting material to flow therein in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure exerted on the fitting pad and the relief of such exerted, flow-producing pressure; said fitting material being characterized by a major amount of a substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, viscous, flowable, continuous phase essentially consisting of wax and oil in a weight ratio of about 21.2 to 76.5 parts by weight of wax and about 78.8 to 23.5 parts by weight of oil, and having substantially uniformly distributed therethrough, a minor amount of a discontinuous phase of discrete, lightweight, sturdy, resilient, hollow, monocellular, resinous microbeads; said wax and oil phase being present in an amount sufficient (a) to more than merely thinly coat substantially the entire outer surface of essentially each of said microbeads or to more than merely form a film over the surface of essentially each of said microbeads, and (b) to provide a volume that is substantially more than the volume of the interstitial spaces of the quantity of microbeads alone; said fitting material being further characterized by having a substantially homogeneous consistency and nominal thickness within the range of about 0.01 inch to 0.6 inch, and not substantially changing in volume responsive to ambient temperatures or ambient temperature changes, being resistant to sag, flowing in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure, and, when confined during conditions of use, being resistant to flow in response to instantaneously applied pressure, and, at least in part, recovering from deformation upon or following the relief of deforming pressure loads.

Claim 24

A pressure-compensating fitting pad of desired shape and size, which comprises: a shaped, flexible, resinous, protective enclosure having retained therein and distributed substantially throughout its confines, a predetermined amount of a viscous, flowable, substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, pressure-compensating fitting material having a specific gravity in the vicinity of about 0.8, or less, which, together, provide a pressure-compensating fitting pad; said enclosure being constructed to allow the confined fitting material to flow therein in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure exerted on the fitting pad and the relief of such exerted, flow-producing pressure; said fitting material being characterized by a major amount of a substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, viscous, flowable, continuous phase essentially consisting of wax and oil in a weight ratio of about 21.2 to 76.5 parts by weight of wax and about 78.8 to 23.5 parts by weight of oil, and having substantially uniformly distributed therethrough, a minor amount of a discontinuous phase of discrete, lightweight, sturdy, resilient, hollow, monocellular, resinous microbeads; said wax and oil phase being present in an amount sufficient (a) to more than merely thinly coat substantially the entire outer surface of essentially each of said microbeads or to more than merely form a film over the surface of essentially each of said microbeads, and (b) to provide a volume that is substantially more than the volume of the interstitial spaces of the quantity of microbeads alone; said fitting material being further characterized by having a substantially homogeneous consistency and nominal thickness within the range of about 0.01 inch to 0.6 inch, and not substantially changing in volume responsive to ambient temperatures or ambient temperature changes, being resistant to sag, flowing in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure, and, when confined during conditions of use, being resistant to flow in response to instantaneously applied pressure, and, at least in part, recovering from deformation upon or following the relief of deforming pressure loads.

Claim 25

The fitting pad of claim 22, wherein said microbeads are formed of vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile.

Claim 26

The fitting pad of claim 22, wherein said wax comprises petroleum-based wax.

Claim 27

The fitting pad of claim 24, wherein said petroleum-based wax comprises microcrystalline wax.

Claim 28

The fitting pad of claim 22, wherein said oil comprises petroleum-based oil.

Claim 29

The fitting pad of claim 22, wherein said wax comprises petroleum-based wax and said oil comprises petroleum-based oil.

Claim 30

The fitting pad of claim 22, wherein said wax comprises petroleum-based wax, said oil comprises petroleum-based oil, and said microbeads are formed of expanded vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile.

Claim 31

The fitting pad of claim 22, wherein said enclosure is formed of a thermoplastic elastomeric film that is heat-sealed and has a film thickness of about 0.01 to 0.02 inch.

Claim 32

The fitting pad of claim 22, wherein the fitting material has about 1 part by weight of microbeads per about 10.9 to 106.5 parts by weight of wax and oil.

Claim 33

The fitting pad of claim 22, wherein said fitting material has wax and oil in a weight ratio of about 34 to 55.2 parts by weight of wax and about 66 to 44.8 parts by weight of oil, and about 1 part by weight of microbeads per about 12.3 to 52.7 parts by weight of wax and oil.

Claim 34

The fitting pad of claim 22, wherein the fitting material has a specific gravity of about 0.15 to 0.8.

Claim 35

The fitting pad of claim 22, wherein the fitting material has a specific gravity of about 0.3 to 0.5.

Claim 36

The fitting pad of claim 22, wherein the fitting material is characterized by having a penetrometer value, 5 sec. after dropping a cone under a 50-gm. load, of about 6 to 12 mm. at a temperature of -20° F. and about 10 to 24 mm. at a temperature of 75° F.

Claim 37

In a boot that covers the ankle of the wearer, the improvement comprising: providing in combination with said boot along selected portions thereof, including, but not limited to, selected front and side portions of the foot, a pressure-compensating fitting pad which assumes the shape of the foot covered thereby, which provides proper and ready fitting, firm support and comfort to said selected portions of the foot, and which comprises a shaped, flexible, protective enclosure having retained therein and distributed substantially throughout its confine, a predetermined amount of a viscous, flowable, substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, pressure-compensating fitting material, which, together, provide a pressure-compensating fitting pad, which, in turn, provides firm pressure-compensating support and comfort, said enclosure being constructed to allow the confined fitting material to flow therein in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure exerted by the foot on the fitting pad and the relief of such exerted, flow-producing pressure, said fitting material being characterized by a predominant, substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, viscous, flowable, continuous phase essentially consisting of wax and oil, and having substantially uniformly distributed therethrough, a discontinuous phase of discrete, lightweight, sturdy microbeads, said wax and oil phase being present in an amount sufficient (a) to more than merely thinly coat substantially the entire outer surface of essentially each of said microbeads or to more than merely form a film over the surface of essentially each of said microbeads, and (b) to provide a volume that is substantially more than the volume of the interstitial spaces of the quantity of microbeads alone, said fitting material being further characterized by having a substantially homogeneous consistency and not substantially changing in volume responsive to ambient temperatures or ambient temperature changes, being resistant to sag, flowing in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure, and, when confined during conditions of use, being resistant to flow in response to instantaneously applied pressure, to provide pressure on those portions of the foot that can best withstand it and to allow portions of the foot at least momentarily to move away from pressure.

Claim 38

In a boot that covers the ankle of the wearer, the improvement comprising: providing in combination with said boot along selected portions thereof, including, but not limited to, selected front and side portions of the foot, a pressure-compensating fitting pad which assumes the shape of the foot covered thereby, which provides proper and ready fitting, firm support and comfort to said selected portions of the foot, and which comprises a shaped, flexible, protective enclosure having retained therein and distributed substantially throughout its confine, a predetermined amount of a viscous, flowable, substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, pressure-compensating fitting material, which, together, provide a pressure-compensating fitting pad, which, in turn, provides firm pressure-compensating support and comfort, said enclosure being constructed to allow the confined fitting material to flow therein in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure exerted by the foot on the fitting pad and the relief of such exerted, flow-producing pressure, said fitting material being characterized by a predominant, substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, viscous, flowable, continuous phase essentially consisting of wax and oil, and having substantially uniformly distributed therethrough, a discontinuous phase of discrete, lightweight, sturdy microbeads, said wax and oil phase being present in an amount sufficient (a) to more than merely thinly coat substantially the entire outer surface of essentially each of said microbeads or to more than merely form a film over the surface of essentially each of said microbeads, and (b) to provide a volume that is substantially more than the volume of the interstitial spaces of the quantity of microbeads alone, said fitting material being further characterized by having a substantially homogeneous consistency and not substantially changing in volume responsive to ambient temperatures or ambient temperature changes, being resistant to sag, flowing in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure, and, when confined during conditions of use, being resistant to flow in response to instantaneously applied pressure, to provide pressure on those portions of the foot that can best withstand it and to allow portions of the foot at least momentarily to move away from pressure.

Claim 39

The improved boot of claim 35, wherein said microbeads are resilient, hollow, resinous microbeads.

Claim 40

The improved boot of claim 36, wherein said microbeads are formed of expanded vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile.

Claim 41

The improved boot of claim 36, wherein said microbeads are in situ heat-expanded, monocellular microspheres.

Claim 42

The improved boot of claim 36, wherein said microbeads are in situ heat-expanded, monocellular microspheres formed of a vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile copolymer.

Claim 43

The improved boot of claim 35, wherein said wax comprises petroleum-based wax.

Claim 44

The improved boot of claim 40, wherein said petroleum-based wax comprises microcrystalline wax.

Claim 45

The improved boot of claim 35, wherein said oil comprises petroleum-based oil.

Claim 46

The improved boot of claim 35, wherein said fitting material has a nominal thickness within the range of about 0.01 to 0.6 inch.

Claim 47

The improved boot of claim 35, wherein said enclosure is formed of a thermoplastic elastomeric film that is heat-sealed.

Claim 48

The improved boot of claim 35, wherein the fitting material has wax and oil in a weight ratio of about 21.2 to 76.5 parts by weight of wax and about 78.8 to 23.5 parts by weight of oil, and about 1 part by weight of microbeads per about 10.9 to 106.5 parts by weight of wax and oil.

Claim 49

The improved boot of claim 45, wherein said microbeads are resilient, hollow, resinous, in situ heat-expanded, monocellular microspheres.

Claim 50

The improved boot of claim 35, wherein said fitting material has wax and oil in a weight ratio of about 34 to 55.2 parts by weight of wax and about 66 to 44.8 parts by weight of oil, and about 1 part by weight of microbeads per about 12.3 to 52.7 parts by weight of wax and oil.

Claim 51

The improved boot of claim 47, wherein the microbeads are resilient, hollow, resinous, in situ heat-expanded, monocellular microspheres.

Claim 52

The improved boot of claim 35, wherein the fitting material has a specific gravity of about 0.15 to 0.8.

Claim 53

The improved boot of claim 35, wherein the fitting material is characterized by having a penetrometer value, 5 sec. after dropping a cone under a 50-gm. load, of about 6 to 12 mm. at a temperature of -20° F. and about 10 to 24 mm. at a temperature of 75° F.

Claim 54

The improved boot of claim 35, wherein said boot is a rear-entry boot.

Claim 55

In a boot that covers the ankle of the wearer, the improvement comprising: providing in combination with said boot along selected portions thereof, including, but not limited to, selected front and side portions of the foot, a pressure-compensating fitting pad which assumes the shape of the foot covered thereby, which provides proper and ready fitting, firm support and comfort to said selected portions of the foot, and which comprises a shaped, flexible, resinous, protective enclosure having retained therein and distributed substantially throughout its confines, a predetermined amount of a viscous, flowable, substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, pressure-compensating fitting material having a specific gravity in the vicinity of about 0.8, or less, which, together, provide a pressure-compensating fitting pad, which, in turn, provides firm pressure-compensating support and comfort, said enclosure being constructed to allow the confined fitting material to flow therein in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure exerted by the foot on the fitting pad and the relief of such exerted, flow-producing pressure, said fitting material being characterized by a major amount of a substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, viscous, flowable, continuous phase essentially consisting of wax and oil in a weight ratio of about 21.2 to 76.5 parts by weight of wax and about 78.8 to 23.5 parts by weight of oil, and having substantially uniformly distributed therethrough, a minor amount of a discontinuous phase of discrete, lightweight, sturdy, resilient, hollow, monocellular, resinous microbeads, said wax and oil phase being present in an amount sufficient (a) to more than merely thinly coat substantially the entire outer surface of essentially each of said microbeads or to more than merely form a film over the surface of essentially each of said microbeads, and (b) to provide a volume that is substantially more than the volume of the interstitial spaces of the quantity of microbeads alone, said fitting material being further characterized by having a substantially homogeneous consistency and a nominal thickness within the range of about 0.01 inch to 0.6 inch, and not substantially changing in volume responsive to ambient temperatures or ambient temperature changes, being resistant to sag, flowing in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure, and, when confined during conditions of use, being resistant to flow in response to instantaneously applied pressure, and, at least in part, recovering from deformation upon or following the relief of deforming pressure loads, to provide pressure on those portions of the foot that can best withstand it and to allow portions of the foot at least momentarily to move away from pressure.

Claim 56

In a boot that covers the ankle of the wearer, the improvement comprising: providing in combination with said boot along selected portions thereof, including, but not limited to, selected front and side portions of the foot, a pressure-compensating fitting pad which assumes the shape of the foot covered thereby, which provides proper and ready fitting, firm support and comfort to said selected portions of the foot, and which comprises a shaped, flexible, resinous, protective enclosure having retained therein and distributed substantially throughout its confines, a predetermined amount of a viscous, flowable, substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, pressure-compensating fitting material having a specific gravity in the vicinity of about 0.8, or less, which, together, provide a pressure-compensating fitting pad, which, in turn, provides firm pressure-compensating support and comfort, said enclosure being constructed to allow the confined fitting material to flow therein in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure exerted by the foot on the fitting pad and the relief of such exerted, flow-producing pressure, said fitting material being characterized by a major amount of a substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, viscous, flowable, continuous phase essentially consisting of wax and oil in a weight ratio of about 21.2 to 76.5 parts by weight of wax and about 78.8 to 23.5 parts by weight of oil, and having substantially uniformly distributed therethrough, a minor amount of a discontinuous phase of discrete, lightweight, sturdy, resilient, hollow, monocellular, resinous microbeads, said wax and oil phase being present in an amount sufficient (a) to more than merely thinly coat substantially the entire outer surface of essentially each of said microbeads or to more than merely form a film over the surface of essentially each of said microbeads, and (b) to provide a volume that is substantially more than the volume of the interstitial spaces of the quantity of microbeads alone, said fitting material being further characterized by having a substantially homogeneous consistency and a nominal thickness within the range of about 0.01 inch to 0.6 inch, and not substantially changing in volume responsive to ambient temperatures or ambient temperature changes, being resistant to sag, flowing in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure, and, when confined during conditions of use, being resistant to flow in response to instantaneously applied pressure, and, at least in part, recovering from deformation upon or following the relief of deforming pressure loads, to provide pressure on those portions of the foot that can best withstand it and to allow portions of the foot at least momentarily to move away from pressure.

Claim 57

The improved boot of claim 52, wherein said microbeads are formed of vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile.

Claim 58

The improved boot of claim 52, wherein said wax comprises petroleum-based wax and said oil comprises petroleum-based oil.

Claim 59

The improved boot of claim 54, wherein said petroleum-based wax comprises microcrystalline wax.

Claim 60

The improved boot of claim 52, wherein said wax comprises petroleum-based wax, said oil comprises petroleum-based oil, and said microbeads are formed of expanded vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile.

Claim 61

The improved boot of claim 52, wherein said enclosure is formed of a thermoplastic elastomeric film that is heat-sealed.

Claim 62

The improved boot of claim 52, wherein the fitting material has about 1 part by weight of microbeads per about 10.9 to 106.5 parts by weight of wax and oil.

Claim 63

The improved boot of claim 52, wherein said fitting material has wax and oil in a weight ratio of about 34 to 55.2 parts by weight of wax and about 66 to 44.8 parts by weight of oil, and about 1 part by weight of microbeads per about 12.3 to 52.7 parts by weight of wax and oil.

Claim 64

The improved boot of claim 52, wherein the fitting material has a specific gravity of about 0.15 to 0.8.

Claim 65

The improved boot of claim 52, wherein the fitting material has a specific gravity of about 0.3 to 0.5.

Claim 66

The improved boot of claim 52, wherein the fitting material is characterized by having a penetrometer value, 5 sec. after dropping a cone under a 50-gm. load, of about 6 to 12 mm. at a temperature of -20° F. and about 10 to 24 mm. at a temperature of 75° F.

Claim 67

The improved boot of claim 52, wherein said boot is a rear-entry boot.

Claim 68

A ski boot, which comprises: a substantially rigid outer shell; a flexible liner member disposed within said shell and having wall means with an inner surface and an outer surface, and constructed to conform substantially to the contour of a wearer's foot; said flexible liner member having at least one cavity associated with said outer surface thereof, whereby a space is provided between said outer surface of the liner member and said outer shell; said space being shaped to receive a pressure-compensating fitting pad which provides proper and ready fitting, firm support and comfort to selected portions of the foot; said fitting pad comprising a shaped, flexible, protective enclosure having retained therein and distributed substantially throughout its confines, a predetermined amount of a viscous, flowable, substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, pressure-compensating fitting material, which, together, provide a pressure-compensating fitting pad, which, in turn, provides firm pressure-compensating support and comfort; said enclosure being constructed to allow the confined fitting material to flow therein in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure exerted by the foot on the fitting pad and the relief of such exerted, flow-producing pressure; said fitting material being characterized by a predominant, substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, viscous, flowable, continuous phase essentially consisting of wax and oil, and having substantially uniformly distributed therethrough, a discontinuous phase of discrete, lightweight, sturdy, resilient, hollow, expanded, resinous microbeads; said wax and oil phase being present in an amount sufficient (a) to more than merely thinly coat substantially the entire outer surface of essentially each of said expanded microbeads or to more than merely form a film over the surface of essentially each of said expanded microbeads, and (b) to provide a volume that is substantially more than the volume of the interstitial spaces of the quantity of expanded microbeads alone; said fitting material being further characterized by having a substantially homogeneous consistency and a nominal thickness within the range of about 0.01 inch to 0.6 inch, and not substantially changing in volume responsive to ambient temperatures or ambient temperature changes, being resistant to sag, flowing in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure, and, when confined during conditions of use, being resistant to flow in response to instantaneously applied pressure, and, at least in part, recovering from deformation upon or following the relief of deforming pressure loads, to provide pressure on those portions of the foot that can best withstand it and to allow portions of the foot at least momentarily to move away from pressure; said ski boot being constructed so that upon placement of the foot to be fitted into said flexible liner member, the fitting material flows and is deformed, so as to place said flexible liner member into snug, but comfortable, fitting relationship with the foot and to maintain such relationship during the wearing of the ski boot.

Claim 69

A ski boot, which comprises: a substantially rigid outer shell; a flexible liner member disposed within said shell and having wall means with an inner surface and an outer surface, and constructed to conform substantially to the contour of a wearer's foot; said flexible liner member having at least one cavity associated with said outer surface thereof, whereby a space is provided between said outer surface of the liner member and said outer shell; said space being shaped to receive a pressure-compensating fitting pad which provides proper and ready fitting, firm support and comfort to selected portions of the foot; said fitting pad comprising a shaped, flexible, protective enclosure having retained therein and distributed substantially throughout its confines, a predetermined amount of a viscous, flowable, substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, pressure-compensating fitting material, which, together, provide a pressure-compensating fitting pad, which, in turn, provides firm pressure-compensating support and comfort; said enclosure being constructed to allow the confined fitting material to flow therein in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure exerted by the foot on the fitting pad and the relief of such exerted, flow-producing pressure; said fitting material being characterized by a predominant, substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, viscous, flowable, continuous phase essentially consisting of wax and oil, and having substantially uniformly distributed therethrough, a discontinuous phase of discrete, lightweight, sturdy, resilient, hollow, expanded, resinous microbeads; said wax and oil phase being present in an amount sufficient (a) to more than merely thinly coat substantially the entire outer surface of essentially each of said expanded microbeads or to more than merely form a film over the surface of essentially each of said expanded microbeads, and (b) to provide a volume that is substantially more than the volume of the interstitial spaces of the quantity of expanded microbeads alone; said fitting material being further characterized by having a substantially homogeneous consistency and a nominal thickness within the range of about 0.01 inch to 0.6 inch, and not substantially changing in volume responsive to ambient temperatures or ambient temperature changes, being resistant to sag, flowing in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure, and, when confined during conditions of use, being resistant to flow in response to instantaneously applied pressure, and, at least in part, recovering from deformation upon or following the relief of deforming pressure loads, to provide pressure on those portions of the foot that can best withstand it and to allow portions of the foot at least momentarily to move away from pressure; said ski boot being constructed so that upon placement of the foot to be fitted into said flexible liner member, the fitting material flows and is deformed, so as to place said flexible liner member into snug, but comfortable, fitting relationship with the foot and to maintain such relationship during the wearing of the ski boot.

Claim 70

The ski boot of claim 64, wherein said expanded microbeads are formed of vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile.

Claim 71

The ski boot of claim 64, wherein said expanded microbeads are in situ heat-expanded, monocellular microspheres.

Claim 72

The ski boot of claim 64, wherein said expanded microbeads are in situ heat-expanded, monocellular microspheres formed of a vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile copolymer.

Claim 73

The ski boot of claim 64, wherein said wax comprises petroleum-based wax and said oil comprises petroleum-based oil.

Claim 74

The ski boot of claim 68, wherein said petroleum-based wax comprises microcrystalline wax.

Claim 75

The ski boot of claim 64, wherein the fitting material has wax and oil in a weight ratio of about 21.2 to 76.5 parts by weight of wax and about 78.8 to 23.5 parts by weight of oil, and about 1 part by weight of expanded microbeads per about 10.9 to 106.5 parts by weight of wax and oil.

Claim 76

The ski boot of claim 64, wherein said fitting material has wax and oil in a weight ratio of about 34 to 55.2 parts by weight of wax and about 66 to 44.8 parts by weight of oil, and about 1 part by weight of expanded microbeads per about 12.3 to 52.7 parts by weight of wax and oil.

Claim 77

The ski boot of claim 64, wherein the fitting material has a specific gravity of about 0.15 to 0.8.

Claim 78

The ski boot of claim 64, wherein the fitting material is characterized by having a penetrometer value, 5 sec. after dropping a cone under a 50-gm. load, of about 6 to 12 mm. at a temperature of -20° F. and about 10 to 24 mm. at a temperature of 75° F.

Claim 79

The ski boot of claim 64, wherein said boot is a rear-entry ski boot.

Claim 80

A ski boot, which comprises: a substantially rigid outer shell; a flexible liner member disposed within said shell and having wall means with an inner surface and an outer surface, and constructed to conform substantially to the contour of a wearer's foot; said flexible liner member having at least one cavity associated with said outer surface thereof, whereby a space is provided between said outer surface of the liner member and said outer shell; said space being shaped to receive a pressure-compensating fitting pad which provides proper and ready fitting, firm support and comfort to selected portions of the foot; said fitting pad comprising a shaped, flexible, resinous, protective enclosure having retained therein and distributed substantially throughout its confines, a pre-determined amount of a viscous, flowable, substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, pressure-compensating fitting material having a specific gravity in the vicinity of about 0.8, or less, which, together, provide a pressure-compensating fitting pad, which, in turn, provides firm pressure-compensating support and comfort; said enclosure being constructed to allow the confined fitting material to flow therein in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure exerted by the foot on the fitting pad and the relief of such exerted, flow-producing pressure; said fitting material being characterized by a major amount of a substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, viscous, flowable, continuous phase essentially consisting of wax and oil in a weight ratio of about 21.2 to 76.5 parts by weight of wax and about 78.8 to 23.5 parts by weight of oil, and having substantially uniformly distributed therethrough, a minor amount of a discontinuous phase of discrete, lightweight, sturdy, resilient, hollow, in situ heat-expanded, monocellular, resinous microbeads; said wax and oil phase being present in an amount sufficient (a) to more than merely thinly coat substantially the entire outer surface of essentially each of said expanded microbeads or to more than merely form a film over the surface of essentially each of said expanded microbeads, and (b) to provide a volume that is substantially more than the volume of the interstitial spaces of the quantity of expanded microbeads alone; said fitting material being further characterized by having a substantially homogeneous consistency and a nominal thickness within the range of about 0.01 inch to 0.6 inch, and not substantially changing in volume responsive to ambient temperatures or ambient temperature changes, being resistant to sag, flowing in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure, and, when confined during conditions of use, being resistant to flow in response to instantaneously applied pressure, and, at least in part, recovering from deformation upon or following the relief of deforming pressure loads, to provide pressure on those portions of the foot that can best withstand it and to allow portions of the foot at least momentarily to move away from pressure; said ski boot being constructed so that upon placement of the foot to be fitted into said flexible liner member, the fitting material flows and is deformed, so as to place said flexible liner member into snug, but comfortable, fitting relationship with the foot and to maintain such relationship during the wearing of the ski boot.

Claim 81

A ski boot, which comprises: a substantially rigid outer shell; a flexible liner member disposed within said shell and having wall means with an inner surface and an outer surface, and constructed to conform substantially to the contour of a wearer's foot; said flexible liner member having at least one cavity associated with said outer surface thereof, whereby a space is provided between said outer surface of the liner member and said outer shell; said space being shaped to receive a pressure-compensating fitting pad which provides proper and ready fitting, firm support and comfort to selected portions of the foot; said fitting pad comprising a shaped, flexible, resinous, protective enclosure having retained therein and distributed substantially throughout its confines, a pre-determined amount of a viscous, flowable, substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, pressure-compensating fitting material having a specific gravity in the vicinity of about 0.8, or less, which, together, provide a pressure-compensating fitting pad, which, in turn, provides firm pressure-compensating support and comfort; said enclosure being constructed to allow the confined fitting material to flow therein in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure exerted by the foot on the fitting pad and the relief of such exerted, flow-producing pressure; said fitting material being characterized by a major amount of a substantially homogeneous, substantially stable, viscous, flowable, continuous phase essentially consisting of wax and oil in a weight ratio of about 21.2 to 76.5 parts by weight of wax and about 78.8 to 23.5 parts by weight of oil, and having substantially uniformly distributed therethrough, a minor amount of a discontinuous phase of discrete, lightweight, sturdy, resilient, hollow, in situ heat-expanded, monocellular, resinous microbeads; said wax and oil phase being present in an amount sufficient (a) to more than merely thinly coat substantially the entire outer surface of essentially each of said expanded microbeads or to more than merely form a film over the surface of essentially each of said expanded microbeads, and (b) to provide a volume that is substantially more than the volume of the interstitial spaces of the quantity of expanded microbeads alone; said fitting material being further characterized by having a substantially homogeneous consistency and a nominal thickness within the range of about 0.01 inch to 0.6 inch, and not substantially changing in volume responsive to ambient temperatures or ambient temperature changes, being resistant to sag, flowing in response and conformance to continuously applied pressure, and, when confined during conditions of use, being resistant to flow in response to instantaneously applied pressure, and, at least in part, recovering from deformation upon or following the relief of deforming pressure loads, to provide pressure on those portions of the foot that can best withstand it and to allow portions of the foot at least momentarily to move away from pressure; said ski boot being constructed so that upon placement of the foot to be fitted into said flexible liner member, the fitting material flows and is deformed, so as to place said flexible liner member into snug, but comfortable, fitting relationship with the foot and to maintain such relationship during the wearing of the ski boot.

Claim 82

The ski boot of claim 75, wherein said expanded microbeads are formed of vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile.

Claim 83

The ski boot of claim 75, wherein said wax comprises petroleum-based wax.

Claim 84

The ski boot of claim 77, wherein said petroleum-based wax comprises microcrystalline wax.

Claim 85

The ski boot of claim 75, wherein said oil comprises petroleum-based oil.

Claim 86

The ski boot of claim 75, wherein said enclosure is formed of a thermoplastic resinous film that is heat-sealed and has a film thickness of about 0.01 to 0.02 inch.

Claim 87

The ski boot of claim 75, wherein the fitting material has about 1 part by weight of expanded microbeads per about 10.9 to 106.5 parts by weight of the wax and oil.

Claim 88

The ski boot of claim 75, wherein said fitting material has wax and oil in a weight ratio of about 34 to 55.2 parts by weight of wax and about 66 to 44.8 parts by weight of oil, and about 1 part by weight of expanded microbeads per about 12.3 to 52.7 parts by weight of wax and oil.

Claim 89

The ski boot of claim 75, wherein the fitting material has a specific gravity of about 0.15 to 0.8.

Claim 90

The ski boot of claim 75, wherein the fitting material has a specific gravity of about 0.3 to 0.5.

Claim 91

The ski boot of claim 75, wherein the fitting material is characterized by having a penetrometer value, 5 sec. after dropping a cone under a 50-gm. load, of about 6 to 12 mm. at a temperature of -20° F. and about 10 to 24 mm. at a temperature of 75° F.

Claim 92

The ski boot of claim 75, wherein said boot is a rear-entry ski boot.